Glossary of Terms

AFUEAnnualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency is a measure of your furnace's heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient the furnace. The minimum percentage established by the DOE for furnaces is 78%.

Air Handler/Coil BlowerThe indoor part of an air conditioner or heat pump that moves cooled or heated air throughout the ductwork of your home. An air handler is usually a furnace or a blower coil.

BioaerosolsMicroscopic living organisms suspended in the air that grow and multiply in warm, humid places.

BtuA British thermal unit is a unit of heat energy. One Btu is the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. The higher the Btu rating, the greater the heating capacity of the system.

BtuhBritish thermal units per hour.

CAEThe Combined Annual Efficiency is a measure of the amount of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed for both home and water heating.

Carbon MonoxideAn odorless, colorless, tasteless, poisonous and flammable gas that is produced when carbon burns with insufficient air.

Central Air Conditioning SystemSystem in which air is treated at a central location and distributed to and from rooms by one or more fans and a series of ducts.

CFMStands for Cubic Feet per Minute. This measurement indicates how many cubic feet of air pass by a stationary point in one minute. The higher the number, the more air is being moved through the ductwork by the system.

CompressorThe part of the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump that compresses and pumps refrigerant to meet household cooling requirements.

Condenser CoilThe outdoor portion of an air conditioner or heat pump that either releases or collects heat, depending on the time of the year.

DamperA movable plate, located in the ductwork, that regulates airflow. Dampers are used to direct air to the areas that need it most. Typically used in a zoning application.

dBA decibel is a unit used to measure the relative intensity of sound.

DOEThe Department of Energy is a federal agency responsible for setting industry efficiency standards and monitoring the consumption of energy sources.

Dual FuelA comfort system that pairs an electric heat pump with a gas furnace, providing an energy-efficient alternative to the conventional furnace/air conditioner combination.

DuctworkThe method by which air is channeled from the furnace or the blower coil throughout your home.

Electronic Air CleanerAn electronic device that filters out large particles and bioaerosols in indoor air.

Evaporator CoilThe part of the air conditioner or heat pump that is located inside the air handler or attached to the furnace. Its primary function is to absorb the heat from the air in your house.

FAQStands for "frequently asked questions."

Garage HeatersGarage heaters are an excellent product for combating cold garages and workshops during the winter months. Heating capacities provide warmth for a 1 car garage up to a 4+ car garage application. Separated combustion models provide heating for hard-to-heat applications. Available in natural or propane gas, units should be installed by a Lennox dealer/installer.

Heat ExchangerLocated in the furnace, the heat exchanger transfers heat to the surrounding air, which is then pumped throughout the home.

Heat PumpA heat pump is an HVAC unit that heats or cools by moving heat. During the winter, a heat pump draws heat from outdoor air and circulates it through your home's air ducts. In the summer, it reverses the process and removes heat from your house and releases it outdoors.

Horizontal FlowWhen an air handler or furnace is positioned on its side and circulates air in one end and out the other. Ideal for attic or crawl space installations.

HSPFThe Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is the heating efficiency rating for heat pumps. The higher the rating, the more efficient the heat pump. HSPF will be regulated in 2006 at 7.7. HumidifierAn indoor air quality device that introduces moisture to heated air as it passes from the furnace into the ductwork for distribution throughout the home.

HumidistatAn automatic device used to maintain humidity at a fixed or adjustable set point.

HVACHeating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Indoor CoilSee Evaporator Coil.

ISO 9000A family of international standards for quality management and assurance.

MERV RatingThe MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of a filter describes the size of the holes in the filter that allow air to pass through. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the holes in the filter, the higher the efficiency.

MicronA unit of measure equal to one millionth of a meter, or one thousandth of a millimeter.

Odors/ChemicalsAir contaminants in the form of gases.

Outdoor CoilSee Condenser Coil.

ParticlesAny substances measuring less than 100 microns in diameter. The EPA has found that small particles (less than 2.5 microns) are responsible for the health effects of greatest concern.

Programmable ThermostatA thermostat with the ability to record different temperature/time settings for your heating and/or cooling equipment.

RefrigerantA chemical that produces a cooling effect while expanding or vaporizing. Most residential air conditioning units contain the standard R-22 refrigerant, or Freon.

Refrigerant LinesTwo copper lines that connect the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump to the indoor evaporator coil.

Scroll CompressorA specially designed compressor that works in a circular motion, as opposed to up-and-down piston action.

SEERThe Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is an energy efficiency rating for air conditioners. The higher the SEER, the better the energy performance, the more you save. The DOE's established minimum SEER rating for cooling is 13.00.

Single PackageA heating and cooling system contained in one outdoor unit.

Split SystemAn HVAC system in which some components are located inside the structure of the house and some are located outside. Split systems should be matched for optimal efficiency.

ThermidistatMonitors temperature and humidity and adjusts heating or cooling system to maintain desired levels.

ThermostatUsually found on an inside wall, this device operates as a control to regulate your heating and cooling equipment, allowing you to adjust your home comfort at the touch of a switch.

Two-Stage OperationProvides two levels of heating or cooling output for greater temperature control, energy efficiency and improved indoor air quality.

UpflowWhen an air handler or furnace is installed in an upright position and circulates air through the side or bottom and out through the top. Typically used in basement, closet and attic installations.

Variable Speed MotorA motor that automatically adjusts the flow of warm or cool air for ultimate comfort.

VentilatorA system that exchanges stale, recirculated indoor air with fresh, filtered outside air.

ZoningA method of partitioning a home into independently controlled comfort zones for enhanced comfort and efficiency.

Resources

Total Comfort Solutions LLC

We feature ENERGY STAR certified HVAC systems that deliver common benefits to different customers. Whether commercial HVAC services or gas furnace repair, you will enjoy lower energy costs with greater comfort year-round. Our NATE certified air conditioning service will suggest if HVAC repairs or a new air conditioner is more practical.